Developer careers are short. Here’s what to do about it.
It’s true. You’ll only have a job writing code for 20–25 years, max.
For other professions, careers can stretch 40 years. Work a job. Stay until you’re 65. Retire comfortably.
As an engineer, your path probably won’t be so simple.
But that’s ok! Notice I said that your career writing code for a company will probably be short. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll be unemployed, poor, or destitute. There are options for growth after you age out.
So, why are developer careers so short? What can you do about it?
Before you write an angry comment…
Let me say this up-front.
I get plenty of comments along the lines of “I’ve worked in software for 30 years and am still going strong!†And I believe them. Happy for you!
This article is talking about macro trends. On average, how long do developer careers last? Why do developers leave the field early? How do we turn around large-scale trends?
One commenter rightly points out the story about WW2 airplanes. When bombers returned successfully from their runs, the mechanics reinforced the places where they hadn’t been shot. Why?
